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All Final fantasy characters and locations are the exclusive property of Square Enix and do not belong to me.

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CH. 10 LOST AND FOUND PT.2 THE DEPTHS OF MADNESS

VANA'DIEL, BASTOK

As he stepped out of his Mog house Xavier could tell that something was horribly wrong in Vana'diel. He didn't know how concerned he should be any more. His life had gone to absolute shit over the last few weeks; he didn't even want to think about it any more.

He had woken up in the infirmary completely disoriented. He didn't know why he was their or how he had gotten there, only that he was there. As his eyes searched the room he found that he wasn't alone. Drake had been in there with him, passed out in a chair in the corner. As he started to move Drake had come to and immediately tapped something in to his PDA. It hadn't taken long for the rest of his team to show up. As his eyes passed over his friends he noticed that every last one of them had a look of concern on there faces as they looked at him, even Ava.

"What the hell happened to me?" Xavier asked in a dry raspy voice.

Every one had looked at each other with the same concerned looks they had given him.

"We were hoping you could tell us Xavier. When we found you, you were on the floor of your room at the Ghost hotel unconscious, bleeding, and mumbling the same thing over and over." Drake had responded in calm and measured tones.

The entire thing came back to him in a flash. A masquerade, Terrin, Shyri, Onikage, the whole thing. He remembered her telling him she was engaged to Onikage, and then all three of them trying to kill him.

"She doesn't love me."

A single tear had escaped his eyes.

"I don't remember."

It was a bold-faced lie, and they had known it. But they had let it drop.

"How long have I been out?"

"About a week. When they dragged you in here they discovered that you had massive internal injuries that had been over looked, hence why you have vomited blood. How ever they don't know how you got the broken bones, lacerations, or any of the other injuries you got."

Drake had been fishing for an answer. Xavier wasn't going to give him one, yet. Every one saw right through him though. To their credit they let it drop and told him that as soon as he could move they needed to get started on their mission. They had then gone on to tell him that Xiedie's activities had increased in Vana'diel as of late. It didn't take long for Xavier to get out of bed and put back on active duty.

As he looked around though he was once again finding himself wishing that what ever had happened to him would have killed him. Something at the back of his head told him to go back in by Winda and crawl under the bed till he did die. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. He looked longingly at the knife on his forearm as he pulled the smoky black ring out of his pocket and put it on.

For all of two heart beats he thought that the link shell was dead, but then he heard a few voices.

"My god they are everywhere."

"I know. There are a ton of them in Sandy also."

"They have completely taken overrr Windy. I fearrrrr for the Tarrru that are still there."

Xavier couldn't believe it. The Forgotten legions had always been packed; one could hardly get a word in edge wise. Now, now he was afraid to even ask.

"Do I even want to know what the hell is going on here in Vana'diel."

The shell went dead silent. Than it erupted.

"Holly shit, Xavier!"

"Xavier-wavier"

"X"

"Xavierrrr"

Xavier could name every one by there responses. He knew for certain that he was talking to Leo the Dragon, Cossette, Armendous, and Morgan Lefay.

"My god Xavier where in the hell have you been, where are you now?" Leo asked with urgency.

"Me and my team are in Bastok, what in the hell is going on Leo."

Again there was a small pause before there was an answer.

"Xavier, go to the port and wait for me. I'll explain every thing when I get there. Keep your eyes peeled there are a ton of soldiers roaming around."

"Understood."

It didn't take long for the rest to exit there Mog houses, and there reactions to the devastation were the same as his. As one they moved towards the port. It didn't take long before they ran in to these soldiers that Leo had told him about. Every one watched as the Mi'ihen soldiers rounded up a group of Mithras that was protecting a bunch of Tarus. Xavier kept his cool as best he could. That was until one of the soldiers lashed out at a Taru. This prompted several of the Mithra to retaliate. There deaths were quick and painful. Every Taru and Mithra in the group was murdered before any member of Team X-treme could react.

The next thing he knew Xavier found himself covered in blood cradling a dieing Taru.

"I am so sorry little one." Xavier cried into the dieing Tarus body.

"It. Is okay my ninja-winja friend. You are a hero to my people......"

The Taru died with a smile on its face. Xavier set the tiny body next to the Mithra that had died protecting it. As he moved out of the cluster of mangled bodies a hand grabbed at his ankle weekly. Xavier's killer gaze instantly melted when his eyes fell on a dieing Mithra that had nearly been torn in half by Mi'ihens guns.

"Please. Please don't let me die alone. Xavierrr."

Xavier fell to his knees by the Mithra and cradled her as he had cradled the dieing Taru.

"How do you now me?" His word came out in a near whisper.

"You. You arrrre widely known here Xavierrrr of the Forrrrggoten Legions. Your Link mates talks highly of you. As does the Ninja in rrrred."

"What ninja in red?" He asked hardly holding back his tears for the dieing cat woman.

But as he looked at the Mithra Xavier found that his last words had been spoken to a corpse.

Movements out of the corner of his eye made him react. Before he knew what he was doing he had drawn a knife and severed the gun hand off the last remaining Mi'ihen. The man clutched his bloody stump and ran towards the town square. Quicker than thought Xavier took two steps and yanked his Gunblade from the corpse of a Mi'ihen.

"How did that get there?"

Xavier chased the man in to the town square. With a mighty heave the Gunblade was air born. He watched as it pin wheeled end over end till it hit the soldier dead center of his back. The force of the impact sent the man flying in to the fountain. He hit with such force that the blade stuck into the fountain. It didn't take long for the water to flow red with the dead mans blood.

Xavier snatched a spear away from a passing Dragoon and tossed it at Drake. With out question or hesitation Drake caught the spear and threw it at the dead man. It hit just above Xavier's Gunblade resticking him to the fountain.

Xavier stepped into the bloody water and pulled his Gunblade from the mans body. grabbing the mans left ear he yanked it off as well than turned to see the horror-stricken faces of what remained of Bastoks population.

"This man got no more and no less than what he deserved. I want this body left here as a message to the rest of them!"

Xavier jumped out of the fountain and stormed up to the Dragoon he had taken the spear from.

"Any questions?" he dared the Dragoon to bitch.

"Just one. What's the message?"

"That there punishment will not be as quick and painless."

Xavier walked away from the square to where he had left his team.

"I want to thank you for dealing with these soldiers when I ran to the Taru."

Xavier watched as they all looked at each other. Than Ashlin stepped forward and placed a hand on Xavier's shoulder.

"We didn't.

Xavier gave his brother the dumbest look.

"What?"

"You did. You killed every last one of them before the last Mithra body hit the ground."

"When the first shot was fired you let out this scream and hurled your self at them. You moved so fast no one could stop you. That blood on you is not just that of the dead you held, but that of the men you killed in your rage."

Xavier visibly paled.

"We. We need to get to the port."

Xavier put one shaky foot in front of the other as he made his way in the direction of the port. Along the way he grabbed the nearest guard.

"You. Make sure that those Taru and Mithras get a proper funeral."

"Sir!"

The man gave a crisp salute and ran. Xavier continued to stumble towards the port. As he moved his steps became less shaky, his gaze hardened. The number of crimes Xiedie had to answer for had reached an uncountable number, and he intended to make her pay dearly for each one. As he stormed ever closer to the port he became aware of another oddity. Every once in a while he would catch a glimpse of a knight, some times several, dressed in shades of dark red. He made a mental note to ask Leo, or Army who they were.

PORT BASTOK

They didn't know where they should be only that Xavier told them they needed to get to the port. Once there they had made a very complete check of the area. The battles were intense, but over quickly. The death or destruction was evident every where they went. To every one Bastok was quickly becoming a ghost town.

Deciding he didn't want to be seen with so much blood on himself, Xavier jumped off a pier. His team had rushed to help him but soon found him getting out bitching about there still being too much blood.

The rest of the time pretty much passed in silence. Once or twice they spotted the stray red knights skirting the out skirts of the port. Other than that every one stayed in side. If any one left, it was in twos or threes and they ran to where they were going.

Off in the distance there came the sound of an air ship approaching. They watched as the draw bridges were raised to let the thing pass. Slowly it limped its way to the dock and set anchor, every one on board left as quickly as they could. Xavier watched as the milling citizens left the air ship tossing frightened looks over their shoulders as they left.

Team X-treme watched as two Humes, a Taru, and a Mithra left the air ship last. As they proceeded up the pier the airship slowly limped out of the port and took off. Slowly and causally they made their way to where they knew the four people would be exiting. A sudden red movement caught Xavier's eye. Xavier gave a flick of his head and he heard Drake take flight in that direction. Shortly the doors opened and every one took off in separate directions seeking shelter.

Finally the last four to leave the air ship, Left the airship station. The first to leave was one of the Humes. Armendous walked out wearing a set of heavy armor, and carrying a large axe. Next came Cossette, the little Taru had apparently felt it necessary to take up the robes of a white mage again. After her came the other Hume. Leo the Dragon was covered from head to toe in the armor of a dragoon. The armor had seen better days. Finally came the Mithra, and the sight nearly broke his heart. She normally wore the red bikini like out fit of her race. Now as he watched the feline thief he couldn't help but notice that she was wearing light leather armor and the bounce was gone from her step, as was her smile.

He didn't even bother to raise his Gunblade for the Forgotten Legions, it didn't exist any more. These four were all that was left maybe a few more. Army was the first one to reach them. He and Xavier clasped for arms.

"Hail, Xavier of the Forgotten Legions."

"Hail, Armendous of the Forgotten Legion."

Leo quickly out paced Coss and took Armies place in front of Xavier.

"Xavier"

"Leo"

Cossette stopped in front of Xavier and looked up at him.

"Xavier - wavier" she said bowing deeply.

Xavier fell to his knees in front of the little Taru and snatched her in to his arms in a friendly hug.

"I am so sorry Coss."

The little Taru left. He didn't get up, he couldn't. He was all but destroyed. The ones he loved were once again suffering at the hands of his enemies, and he was power less to stop it. Slowly he reached up and removed his goggles; they were suddenly in his way. His tears were flowing freely. He couldn't even feel the pain his eyes were in. Suddenly his view was filled with a set of beautiful legs. Xavier watched the legs tremble then buckle. All at once the rest of Morgan Lefay came into view.

"I am so sorry I wasn't here when you needed me most. I brought this upon this world."

Xavier couldn't say any more for he suddenly found his mouth covered by hers. It wasn't their usual kiss, but it spoke just as many words. Xavier slowly circled his arms around her, and they both let go of their tears.

A SHORT TIME LATTER

Leo had decided that Team X-treme needed to rest and get cleaned up. So as one they had all made their way to a small inn in the port area. Once their they had cleared out all the patrons and paid for all the rooms just to keep the Inn keep happy. Every one was interested to hear what Leo had to say, but he insisted that they get cleaned up first especially Xavier. He had sent Morgan up with him to make sure nothing funny happened while he was getting cleaned up. One by one every one went to there rooms. Leo and Drake were the last to leave.

"Wait a minute Drake we need to speak."

Drake held back so that they could speak. He honestly didn't know what Leo wanted but he would talk. Drake had enormous respect for Leo. His team had been destroyed and yet he had pulled the remnants together. That and it was an opportunity to get some information. Leo wasted no time with pleasantries.

"What is wrong with Xavier?" It was more of a demand than a question.

"What do you mean?" Drake tried to act ignorant.

"Give it up; lies don't fit you very well."

Drake gave a deep sigh.

"What do you want to know?"

"Every thing."

XAVIERS ROOM

He didn't know why, but the thought of Morgan sitting out on his bed while he bathed made him really uncomfortable. The reason he didn't know why it bothered him was because they had done almost every thing together. They had slept in the same bed countless times. Granted it was because of necessity most of the time. They had slow danced, and had quiet meals. Held each other while they cried, and conceded deep secrets and desires to one another. There customary greeting was a slow deep kiss followed by play full banter.

The only thing they hadn't done was actually sleep together. Morgan had a girlfriend she was supposedly going to marry, and, well, Xavier had Rikku, and his ongoing search for Shyri.

So why was he bothered by it. He couldn't say. He just was. Some things said in his break down made him really think. He just wanted it all to end. He wished the world would be done with him so he could go to where it was people like him went when they died.

Xavier hung his head and watched as the red swirls of water, and blood went down the drain. There was more blood than he had originally thought as he watched it run down the drain. He wondered if he had torn a wound open. It didn't matter. He needed to get this mission done so he could get back to looking for Shyri. He needed to know the truth, he deserved the truth. Most of all she needed to know as well. Xavier turned off the water and opened the curtain.

He didn't know why he forgot his towel or why he walked out of the bathroom naked. But when he did there she stood, just staring at him. Xavier immediately whipped around and tried to find a wall to climb.

Morgan was shocked. Xavier had never once shown any amount of modesty in his life. She didn't know what was wrong with him, he was different and she didn't like it. By no means had they ever been an item, but closer friends had never existed. She didn't like this changed Xavier one bit. She wanted her friend now. No, she needed her friend, and by the looks of it he really needed his friends as well.

She walked up behind him and watched as his body gave slow shivers. He was a fine-looking man, well-built in all the right areas. She looked over every inch of his back. It had once been a Master piece of well toned and tanned muscles. It had been beautifully accented by a full back tattoo of a Demon and an Angel wing. She had asked him about it once; he had told her he didn't remember where he had gotten it.

It was still all of that, but now it had a mess load of wounds both opened and closed. She took a small container of healing cream off the counter and started to apply it to his open wounds. Though she did give him this, he still had a perfect ass. She even made a point to pinch it as she finished up.

"What is wrrrong Xavierrrr? You have neverrrr been this shy."

There was a brief silence as Xavier turned his head ever so slightly to look at their reflections in the mirror. He was greeted by the pleasant sight of her almost right behind him. He hated his body at the moment. To him all it was a mass of muscles, scars, and tattoos. He didn't recognize himself.

"I don't know."

Morgan placed one hand on her chest just over her heart, she than laid her other hand on his back just over his.

"You arrrre a poorrrr liar. There is something wrrrong, and everrry one can see it."

What she did next almost made him jump out of skin and try to climb the walls, again. All at once Morgan pressed her body against his, and wrapped her slender arms around his broad chest as well as she could.

"You have changed. You are not the Xavier I knew when you last left. Tell me, if only to get it off your own chest, please tell me, before it consumes you and nothing is left at all."

Xavier hung his head. Why was it that he could never refuse a pretty girl any thing, especially when they were hanging on to him? Well all except "Z" that was.

"I had a vision not to long ago. At least I think it was a vision. I can't tell the difference any more between reality and dream. In the vision the two people I have searched for, for the last twelve years had joined my greatest enemy. She was even engaged to him, and she was madly in love with him. The three of them tried their hardest to kill me. I passed out. When I woke up I was in the infirmary. Some how every wound I sustained in the vision I received in real life."

Morgan was temporarily speechless as she looked over the wounds on his back again.

"What makes it even worst is that she out right told me she doesn't love me any more, and that she could never love what I have become. I don't blame her I am not the same person she knew all those years ago."

"How do you know that Xavierrrr. Maybe she will like the fiercely loyal headstrong types."

"And what happened to you dear. You are not your usual self either."

There was an abrupt silence. All at once she started to tremble behind him. Xavier turned around in her grip and found her silently crying. Gently he circled his arms around her.

"What is wrong?"

"When this arrrrrmy attacked the firrrst thing they did was take out as many of the magic userrrs they could. So of course they went after the Tarrrru."

Morgan found it all the sudden very difficult to stand.

"They killed my loverrr. She was prrrotecting the Tarrru and was among the firrrst to die. I held her while she died."

Xavier could say and do nothing, he was so stunned. So he did the only thing he could. He held her while she cried her eyes out. Mentally Xavier added one more thing to the long list of things Xiedie had to answer for.

A FEW HOURS LATTER

The meal was not pleasant; hardly any one ate any thing. They were more interested in what the other had to say. It didn't really help too much either that every ones weapons were within reach, and the food didn't look to pleasant either.

"So what exactly is going on here Leo, and where is Shrew?"

Leo emptied his mug of ale before speaking.

"A few weeks ago these soldiers started jumping out of every Mog house from here to Windy and back again. They immediately started going after the strongest people, and magic users. The Taru-taru have been hit the hardest in all of this."

He stopped to refill his mug.

"The various link shells decided to get together and defend our lands. Never before have I seen so many link shells band together for any thing. But it was no good there guns tore through our ranks in no time. Those of us who managed to survive the guns had to deal with their swords men. Those two couldn't be any different if they tried to be and yet they somehow managed to scythe through our ranks like nothing. Very few could trade more than a few swings with them. The man in black was the worst. He killed without mercy."

Leo just looked at his mug trying best to think of a way to say what came next, but he could think of no way to sugar coat it.

"He killed Kimba."

There was an audible gasp from team X-treme.

"When Shrew saw this he charged in. He lasted the longest of us all against the man in black. But in the end the result was the same. Shrew put every thing in to one attack and the man just shrugged it off."

Xavier couldn't speak.

"Shrew isn't dead, but he might as well be. He is in Jueno now under the care of there healers."

Xavier still couldn't speak, but he did any way.

"How many?"

It was a vague question, but it needed no explanation.

"Almost every one. Ainur, Iggsy, Elvann Presley, Mesotiny, Nosotall, Naruko, Starina, the list goes on. It would be far shorter for me to say who is alive."

"Who?"

"Us four than there is Rikou, Tertool, Tootsie, Daemean, Dustin, Medwind, Salandar, Captive, and Wildride, a few others."

Xavier felt a presence behind him. As he shifted his head to look over his shoulder Drake suddenly sprung into action. With lightening speed Drake spun around and threw his spear, pinning a young Elvann to the wall. The young Elvann tried to struggle but it was no use.

"What the fuck?"

Leo sighed. "We have also gotten some new members. That is Odogg one of our new tanks and scouts."

Odogg looked at every one sitting there. He tried desperately to remove himself from the wall, but to no avail.

"Ok can some one please get me off this damn wall?"

Every one just ignored him and went on doing what they were doing. Ava and Drew were staring at what they could only guess was a biscuit, except it would randomly move.

"Can either Clip or Coss please like exercise this thing so we can eat it?"

Every one just looked at the bisquete as it gave one of its random movements and spewed forth a puddle of home style gravy. Every one back peddled in object horror.

Drake looked at every one at the table, and then quickly seized the offending bisquet. Causally he brought it up to his face. Giving it a close inspection he gave it a test squeeze. It gave a small squeak, than growled. With out warning the bisquet spewed its contents on to Drakes face. Drake glared at the food. In one bite the offending food was no more. Every one backed further away as Drake chewed and made contented noises.

"Hmmm bisquets and gravy just the way mom used to make."

For those of who could move further away, did.

"You know that was really gross." Odogg said still pinned to the wall.

Drake stood from his seat and slowly made his way to the pinned Elvann. Drake looked at Odogg with a grin and quickly jerked the spear from the wall. Odogg suddenly found himself falling to the ground and not stopping.

Coss hopped off her chair and made her way to Odogg. Shacking her head she started to look Odogg over.

"You are to head-wead strong Odogg. When will you learn to observe your opponents first?"

To every one watching they didn't know whether to think she was mothering him or scolding him.

"I am a tank; I don't need to do much observing. I stand in front of every one else and draw the attention."

"They are not monsters dogg-wogg you can't provoke them like one."

"I could have taken one of them."

"They knew you were there."

"How?"

Ashlin slowly turned in his chair to the sight of this conversation.

"That is why you lost."

Odogg exploded off the ground and attacked Ashlin. Ashlin didn't draw his sword; he just waited for Odogg to start swinging. Than at the last possible second he dodged out-of-the-way. Odogg was relentless in his swings; Ashlin would even admit that he was very talented. However as Cossette had tried to tell him, he was not fighting a monster. So Ashlin started to play with Dogg.

Odogg came in with a mighty swing, Ashlin dropped to the ground and spun kick his legs out from right underneath him. Ashlin continued the spin rolling up on his shoulder using the momentum to bring himself up in to a hand stand. With blinding speed he used his upper body momentum to flip him self over and heal drop Odoggs chest. To his credit Odogg rolled out-of-the-way, but Ashlin was still in motion.

Ashlin nipped to his feet and jumped just as Odogg got to his feet swinging. Odogg didn't see it happen, but Ashlin took that opportunity to bird step Odogg right in the face three times. Odogg was too disoriented from the three rapid succession kicks to the face to realize that Ashlin had wrapped his legs around his neck and was taking him over in a head scissors take down.

Ashlin decided he had his fun and was now time to make his lesson apparent. Ashlin Finally drew his own personal sword. The very sword he had gotten his last name from, and there was no other sword like it. Kuroaki announced its arrival with a clear loud ring as it left its scabbard. Much like Sephiroths Masamune, Ashlin was the only one that could wield Kuroaki.

Than Ashlin did something he swore he would never do again, He dropped down in to his former masters fighting stance. There was a collective gasp from every one in the room that didn't know Ashlin. Odogg couldn't keep the absolute horror off his face as he picked him self up. Ashlin charged in, it was time to show these guys the reality they were facing.

Ashlin was relentless in his attacks each one was a perfect mirror of every attack that Sephiroth had ever done to him. Odogg couldn't defend himself; he just couldn't master his fear. It was a justified fear; he was looking death in the face as Ashlin attacked over and over again. He maintained enough control though so that he wouldn't do any lasting damage. In no more than a few heart beats Ashlin had disarmed Odogg and had him on the ground at sword point.

"Do you get it now, you worm. You are not ready for what is happening to you and these lands."

Ashlin put Kuroaki away and sat heavily in his chair. Desperately he searched out the nearest full pitcher of ale, and made it empty.

"Ashlin, how did you learn to fight like that?"

Ashlin looked at Leo like he didn't know what he was jus asked. In truth Ashlin wanted Leo to put a name to his fear. Only than could him over come it and help his team do so as well.

"Like what?"

"Like that man. You fought just like him."

"His name is Sephiroth, and I used to be his student."

There was a shocked silence from every one who didn't already know. To his credit Leo recovered quickly and got right to the point.

"Can he be beaten?"

"He can, and has. He has been killed several times in fact."

Again there was a shocked silence.

"Who keeps raising him?"

"Foolish people who think they can control him. Up until now he has broken free of every bond that has brought him back to this plane of existence. This time though I think he has been brought back by some one inelegant enough to control him. He won't be here much longer though."

"What do you mean?"

"As soon as he full fills his Mistresses wishes he will leave this place. He can't stand it here."

"How do you now this."

Ashlin flexed his fingers feeling the lack of Mako all around him.

"Because, it would seem that Vana'diel has very little Mako, and with out Mako Sephiroth is nearly powerless."

Leo was in awe, as were the rest of his team. They shared on solitary thought. "If he is nearly powerless now, I would hate to see him at full strength."

Leo the Dragon looked around at the rest of his team. It had become unsettling clear what they needed to do. He just didn't know if he could muster his own Link mates, let alone any other Link Shell to join them in there quest. He knew the first thing he needed to do though. It was time to bury the past and start a new.

"I have decided what we need to do." Leo said in a calm and even tone.

Slowly he removed the smoky black ring from his hand and just looked at it for a while lovingly. Gently he set it down on the table for every one to see. With one last look at the beloved ring, Leo brought his fist down hard onto the ring. He felt it shatter under the force of the impact. There was an audible gasp from most of the people at the table. Xavier took a deep long look in to Leo's eyes as he removed his ring and set it on the table. It too shattered under the force of being hit. Every one followed suit. Morgan handed hers to Xavier. She just couldn't bring her self to break it. Xavier carefully removed the pearl from the ring. Looking at the first thing he had ever given her he crushed it in his hand. Coss handed her tiny ring to Leo; she was physically unable to destroy it. Leo used it to pass on his last message to the shell.

"To all surviving members of TFL. The shell is dead and we have to move on. I have dedicated my life to this shell and it pains me to see it die. I have enjoyed our adventures together, and hope that you will join me in Bastok as we create a new Link Shell. One that will rebuild Vana'diel from the ashes. Shrew if you are listening. I'm sorry."

Just before removing the tiny link pearl Leo heard the faintest of replies from the man who had created this bond of fellowship that he was about to destroy.

"I understand. Hail the Forgotten Legions."

Leo looked at the pearl one last time before crushing it in his hand. He than looked over at the Inn keep.

"I need you to go and fetch the Link Shell woman for me."

The man bowed deeply and left to get the woman.

There was a heavy air of silence as every one waited. Odogg reached over and gathered Cossette in to his arms when she couldn't take it any more and started crying.

"It'll be all right Coss; Leo knows what he is doing."

They just sat there holding one another not knowing what else to do.

Xavier looked over at the decidedly unhappy Leo.

"So what are you going to do Leo?"

"I am going to create a new Link shell, and together we will rebuild the lands of Vana'diel. How about you?"

'We have a mission to finish, and I have a feeling that once we are done you'll be able to start rebuilding. What are you going to call your new Link shell?"

"I don't know yet. We are going from being a forgotten army among the unassuming masses. Now though I think we need to become a Guardian force to protect the lands we love so much."

"So you are going to become the guardians of Vana'diel than?"

"Yes, and I think we are going to call our selves that too."

There was a brief silence.

"Where do you need to go Xavier?"

"We have to go to Windurst. From there it is only a little ways to a small ninja village called Vahn that the mission will actually take place."

"How do you intend to get there?"

"That just it, because of Vana'diel laws none of my team can ride a Chocobo or an air ship. If I could get a hold of some air passes I would fly to Windy than hop the birds to Vahn."

Leo reached in to his pouch of holding and produced enough air passes for Team X-treme. Xavier looked at the air passes, than back at Leo questioningly.

"An air ship pilot owed me a favor."

Xavier looked at the air passes.

"It is a trick. He will betray you."

"No he won't, not Leo."

"That takes care of the Air ship. What do you suggest we do about the Chocobo?"

Leo had no answer for that, but Coss and Morgan did.

"When you get to Windy look forrr a Galka named Terrrrrrin, he has a black smith shop there."

Xavier did a double take.

"What did you say?"

"There is a Galka-walka there that can help us."

"No, no, his name. What did you say his name was?"

"Terrrrrrin"

Xavier was in shock, how many Galka could there be in the world named Terrin? Xavier looked at his team.

"We need to go now." Xavier said and got up.

His team was hot on his heals as he ran to the Air ship station. It didn't take long for them to get through customs and run out on to the dock.

"XAVIER!"

Xavier spun around just in time to catch a small sack of blue Link Pearls.

"HAND THEM OUT WISELY!" Leo shouted saluting Team X-treme.

"I WILL!" Xavier shouted back saluting the Guardians of Vana'diel.

With that Team X-treme got on the air ship and started out to Jueno.

SOME WHERE ELSE

Xiedie smiled to her self as she watched the progress of Team X-treme. They were leading her right to Shyri and they didn't even know it. Even Better Dami'tu was there also and she fully intended to make use of the brute.

Slowly Xiedie waved her hand over her crystal ball and an image instantly appeared of a being of unrecognizable decent. He was big, and mean looking decked out in red and black spiked armor. Across his back he had a wicked looking broad sword that looked like it had seen too many battles to count.

"Yes you will do nicely as a diversion, son. You will lead them right to the lost village of Vahn. From there John and Sephiroth can do the rest. You will be blamed and they will eliminate you, saving me the trouble."

THE FEDORATION OF WINDURST

The flight to Jueno was easily uneventful. It became apparent that not every one was enjoying the flight When both Clip and Drew started heaving their guts over the edge of the railing.

Once in Jueno they had to wait a few hours for there connecting flight to Windy. Xavier had taken that opportunity to hand out the new Link Pearl to every one. Xavier had immediately started asking the questions he had forgotten to ask when he had been face to face with Leo. The first of which was who were these red knights. Leo didn't know.

The second part of the flight to Windy was marked with more vomiting, and rude gestures from random people. Xavier didn't care too much for flight, but what had to be had to be. Off in the distance the first tell-tale sings of Windurst came in to view. The sight of the massive tree that was Windurst center, standing in direct defiance of the fighting that was going on around it made Xavier's heart soar.

Finding this Galka had been a harder than the group would have liked it to have been, but eventually they did find him. Or to be more accurate they found black a smiths shops run by a group of Galka.

Xavier looked at the front of the shop in disbelief. It was a mirror image of the shop his cousin used to run in Beartree, right down to the little runes of warding him and Shyri had carved into the door frame. To Xavier it was like walking in to a dream from a different life time.

A time when things had been simple.

Back when he still thought he was indestructible.

Back when he was sure of who he was and what he was going to be doing.

Now though as he entered the shop nothing seamed for certain any more.

Behind the counter was a young Galka taking orders from the few customers that there were. Xavier was lost in the oblivion of his memories, the rest of the team was lost in the very skilful workman ship of the weaponry and armor that hung on the walls. Xavier quickly snapped out of his trance and made his way to the counter.

"I need to speak with Terrin."

The little Galka looked up at Xavier, he then he turned around and stuck his head through a curtain behind him.

"Terrin there is a small group here to see you."

A rhythmic pounding suddenly stopped. All at once the oddest looking Galka appeared in the door. Unlike most Galka who stood over seven feet tall, had short thick legs, thick strong tails, and long guerrilla like arms, this Galka was evenly proportioned, much like a Human. He was still massively built, and seven feet tall though. Though he had the oddest hair style any of them had ever seen. It looked like some one had taken his hair and formed it in to a massive pyramid that sagged at the corners. He looked the small group of adventurers over.

"Well you're not my average group of adventurers. You're kind of dressed funny too."

He watched as the small group gave each other funny looks, all except one. He watched as this one member of the team kept an eye on him. Or so he hoped, he couldn't tell through the mans extremely dark goggles. But he could feel the mans raptors gaze penetrating his every inch right down to his soul.

"Ok, you are now wasting my time. Tell me what you need, or get out of my shop."

This prompted a reaction out of the group; all he got out of the leader was a raise of the eye brow. With a wave of his hand he brought his group to silence.

"Fair enough, we were sent to find a Galka named Terrin that might be able to help us."

The Galka seemed to think about it before he spoke.

"I might be Terrin, and I might be able to help you. It all depends on who sent you and what you need."

"Two of our friends sent us to you to get some Chocobo."

"Who are these friends that seem to know me, and think that I can get you some Chocobo?"

"Cossette and Morgan Lefay."

The Galka got a shocked look on his face for all of a second. Slowly he drew an axe from his hip and raised it.

"Hail the Forgotten Legions!"

The leader pulled something from a pouch and tossed it to him. He easily caught it. Care fully he looked at the blue pearl.

"The Forgotten Legions is dead. We and a few others are all that remains."

Carefully he removed the smoky black pearl from a ring on his finger and replaced it with the blue one.

"I am Terrin, and I can get you as many Chocobo as you need. Where exactly are you headed?"

"A small village called Vahn."

Again Terrin had that moment of disbelief on his face, but it was quickly gone.

"What business do you have with the people of Vahn?"

"A sort of home-coming if you will."

It was than that Terrin realized how heavily armed they were, he also noticed that the leader had several of Vahns leaf symbols on his outfit.

"I have them this way follow me."

Terrin lead this team that had been sent to him by his friends to his personal stables out back. He didn't know what they wanted in Vahn, he could only guess. As he got every one saddled up he noticed what the leader's weapon hanging from his left hip. Terrin had seen plenty of gun blades in his life. This one though he knew was different, he had helped build it. He remembered helping his master and guardian shaping and tooling the chambers. Forging the blade and bringing it to a super keen edge.

"Where did you get that Gunblade, stranger?"

"It was a gift from my cousin. Why?"

Terrin was shocked. Could this be Xavier Lofbrah? He didn't get a chance ask though with a loud yell the team was gone. Terrin watched as they expertly maneuvered there Chocobo out of Windy, leaving a rising dust cloud in there wake.

Terrin's rational thinking quickly took over his wild impulses. Once his raging thoughts were under control, he was fairly curtain that person was indeed Xavier, and he could only be going to Vahn for one reason.

"He has found her."

The young Galka at the counter gave him a funny look.

"What was that Terrin?"

"Not much young one, he was only the only force I know of that would extinguish the fires of hell to achieve his goals."

The young Galka looked after the rapidly shrinking sight of the Chocobo. Terrin stood there contemplating what he should do. All of his thoughts came to the same conclusion.

"Tynann go and get my stuff ready I am leaving. Silent Forge, I am leaving the care of the shop to you while I am gone."

A short time later Terrin was ready to take off. Carefully he made one last inspection of his armor. He had spent good money while training to have the armor made. He remembered those days with some fondness, His days in the wild communing with nature. Than his long years of training under his weapons master, Lann. The only thing he didn't like about those times was the constant dodging of what had been dubbed the great game. His head hurt just thinking about it. Carefully Terrin hauled his massive form on to his personal Chocobo. With expert ease he guided the bird out of the stables. Only to come face to face with the leader of the Crimson Knights.

"Dami'tu, how may I help you?"

Terrin had traveled far and wide in his travels, and still couldn't place Dami'tu race. It didn't matter though. Dami'tu was a good man, and did his job well. Terrin had even forged his great sword that had then been turned into his blood sword for his dark knight hood.

"Terrin, I need some information from you."

"Like what."

"There was a group of travelers that recently traveled from Bastok to here, illegally."

Terrin was shocked. But he knew better than to mess with Dami'tu. He was unbelievably strong, and his blood sword made him stronger. Though he could be a little thick at times. He turned in the direction that the team had gone and started to point. His finger never reached its destination. The pommel of blood sword came across the back of Terrins head hard enough to draw blood. Terrin didn't know this though, he was out cold. He also didn't see his spilt blood vaporize and go in to blood sword. Dami'tu let out a soundless battle cry as his vacant eyes rolled into the back of his head and turned blood red. He grasped the great sword in both hands and brought it above his head.

Suddenly Terrin disappeared in a flash of black mist. Blood Sword took its furry out on the ground, leaving a huge hole. The red left Dami'tus eyes but they remained rolled back.

"You can not kill them yet, son. They still have their parts to play. Now go to the village of Vahn there you will find their trail again."

Dami'tu came back to his senses, so to speak, as his eyes rolled forward again. With a mighty heave Dami'tu slung Blood sword back over his shoulder and mounted Terrins Chocobo.

SOME WHERE DARK AND COLD

Terrin stumbled through a door he had found on the north wall of the dungeon he had found himself in. The place stank of mold and mildew. He didn't know where he was, but he knew he needed to get back to Vana'diel to save them. Dami'tu was coming. Terrin stopped short as he came face to face with a Blue dragon.

THE DESERT OF THE MULTI-COLORED DEATH

It was easy to see why the desert had gotten its name. During the day the temperature got to well over two hundred degrees, they had lost a Chocobo there first day out. But at night the crystal like glass reflected the moon light in such a way that the desert essentially had the equivalent of the northern lights. It was also giving Xavier exceedingly weird dreams. He was having one now.

It had been a simple enough task. Shyri, and him were to rake up leaves. The Cross twins had just neglected to mention that the area they were to rake was several hundred square meters big. It had taken them a couple of days to do it. But they were young and full of energy. Finally on the last day they had a pile of leaves that was easily seventy feet in diameter, and about nine feet deep.

"This should do Shyri; we can bag it up tomorrow. Come on I'm sure dinner is ready."

Xavier turned around, but Shyri wasn't there. Carefully Xavier scanned the area looking for his friend, his brown eyes missing nothing. All the sudden there was a beige and red blur as Shyri went running past Xavier. With a grace full leap Shyri was in the pile of leaves. Shyri's head popped out of the pile a few seconds later, her right ear twitching involuntarily to get a leaf off of it.

"Come on in "X" this is great."

Xavier often found him self wondering why Shyri's playful nature always chose the worst times to come out.

"Look at this mess though. It will take us forever to clean up."

"Oh you're no fun any more "X". It's all ways, work, work, work, work, work. You don't like to have fun any more. Come on, please."

Xavier hated when she did this. She put on this really sad-looking poutty face, her eyes got really watery, and her lower lip would tremble. However Xavier knew when she was really hurt and when she was bull-shitting. When it was real her ears would droop all the way down. But like now her ears were almost straight up, so she was bull-shitting.

Xavier gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes and dashed at the leaf pile. Half way there he tripped over his feet and took a header into the pile. The leaves erupted around him, going up in a cyclone of endless colors. As he got up he noticed that the cyclone didn't stop, it just got faster and started to tower above him. He watched in amazement as they danced and spun around him. He new how much effort and energy it took Shyri to create her illusions. So he always gave his undivided attention when she did one just for him. It was almost always a message that she wanted some thing when she did them just for him.

All at once the leaves turned blood red and a figure could be seen through the spinning.

"Okay, hey Shyri this ain't fun any more."

The figure started to move closer to the cyclone. Xavier started to make out little details. The thing was wearing black and red spiked armor, and carried a massive great sword. Xavier watched as the figure drew the great sword and came charging at him.

"Hey Shyri this isn't cool any more."

All at once the vision ended, and Xavier wasn't young or in leaves any more.

"You're right Xavier. It isn't funny or cool any more. He is coming for me, for her. Save me Xavier."

Xavier sat bolt up right from his all too real nightmare.

"Help me Xavier, ooooh help me."

"Not right now."

"Why is it every time some one needs saving, or any thing done you're the first one called."

"Cause I do it right the first time."

"What was that "X"." Drew asked rubbing sleep from her eyes from where she sat taking her watch.

"Nothing Drew go to sleep I'll take my watch now."

"K" Drew said straightening her half dress and walking off towards the tent her and Ava shared.

Xavier took Drews spot on the bolder she was sitting on just moments ago. As he sat there watching the area with his glowing eyes he wondered how much more he could put up with before he truly was no longer himself.

THE VILLAGE OF VAHN

Drake landed lightly in the tallest tree just outside of the village of Vahn. Their arrival at the place had been less than pleasant. In fact it had been a near disaster. The head of the village almost ordered there deaths when he saw Xavier with multiple sings of their village all over his body. They immediately started grilling him about his past, and his motives.

When he couldn't answer there questions properly the village head had wanted to cancel their contract. Till Drake reminded him that no matter what he would still have to pay them, per the contract. So after much debate they were still doing the mission.

However Xavier had been pissed, and unlike most, Xavier thought clearer when he was pissed. He had ordered Ava and Drew to come with him to do the mission. When asked why he had simply said.

"It won't take all of us to bring down one rogue Ninja."

So he had ordered the rest of them to snoop around Vahn, to find out what was really going on. They had been at it a few days now, and every thing seemed to be just fine. However Drake was starting to get Xavier's little creeping sensation about the village.

"Drake, come in."

Drake brought the microphone to his mouth.

"Yeah "Z" what's up?"

"A whole lot of nothing. What are we still doing here?"

"I fail to understand the question."

"Why are we still in this village? We should be out on the mission."

"Quiet both of you we have company."

"How do you know, and how many."

"One and I would know this one any where."

Drake looked in the direction Ashlin was. He immediately saw what Ashlin saw. On the horizon stood one man. His long silver hair flowing in the wind. His Masamune trailing behind him.

Sephiroth had come.

THE DESERT OF THE MULTI-COLORED DEATH

Dami'tu had ridden the Chocobo into the ground hours ago. He had quickly used its bones and feathers to make an umbrella to keep the sun off of himself as he trekked the desert. He was close, soon he would have her. His blood began to boil and blood sword sang in his ear

ALSO IN THE DESERT OF THE MULTI-COLORED DEATH

They had stumbled upon the oasis about noon. Xavier ordered Ava and Drew to secure some water and see what they could do about some food. Slowly Xavier made his way to the small pool of water. Carefully he kneeled and dunked his whole head in the pool. As Xavier removed his head from the pool he became aware of some thing watching him. Xavier tilted his head till he was looking directly in front of him. His eyes nearly bugged out at what he saw. Standing on the opposite side of the pool was the rouge ninja they were looking for, and its personal body-guard. Xavier watched as the ninja gently stroked the avatar that stood at her side. Fenrir responded kindly to the hand that was stroking it.

They spotted each other at the same time. Xavier was instantly on his feet. The ninja started to tremble where it stood, and started to slowly shy away from the pool. Fenrir on the other hand sensing his masters' fear started to growl at Xavier. As he watched the ninja back away he could have sworn he saw something moving behind it. Nothing could have prepared him for there first words though.

"So they have hired some one out side of the village to do their dirty work."

It was a woman. She had to have had the most beautiful voice that Xavier had ever heard in his life. But the way she spoke made him feel dirty about himself and his job. Her voice was a mix of sorrow and spite. For an unknown reason the voice sounded familiar. He also found himself wondering what she would sound like happy.

"You have been terrorizing them enough that they decided to hire me and my team to bring you in."

"You lie!"

Hate, he never wanted to hear that voice full of hate again.

"You are one of them, you ware there symbol proudly. You are a Vahn Nin, here to kill me with your blind hate!"

"Why dose this conversation seem so familiar?"

"I am not a Vahn Nin, they don't even like me."

"YOU LIE! You're just another in a long line to come and try to kill me. And for what? Because I look different, because I have stolen to eat, or is it because I showed up on day hurt and disoriented looking to finish my training as a Nin from the people who trained my master."

Xavier watched as her eyes got wet and started to turn her face cover a darker shade of red. Xavier noticed for the first time she was completely dressed in red.

"Link mates talk highly of you. As dose the Ninja in rrrred."

Xavier went to say something, but the ninja in red suddenly turned and fled. Xavier was stunned for all of a few seconds before he to take flight after her. She was fast, but Xavier's stride was longer, he would have her in no time. Suddenly she reached out and grabbed a hold of Fenrir neck and jumped on to its back. All to quickly Xavier could not catch up.

Xavier came to a slow stop, there was no way he could catch her on foot. As he watched her dust fading away in the distance, something made Xavier turn around. It was a good thing he did too. For at the last second Xavier grabbed the reigns of his Chocobo and swung himself up on to the saddle.

"How did you know I had left?"

Drew looked over at Xavier from where she sat behind Ava on there Chocobo.

"She saw you take off, and thought it would be a good idea to follow you."

Xavier nodded his head and put heals to the Chocobo. As the Chocobo rushed forward Xavier couldn't help but think that something just wasn't right.

THE VILLAGE OF VAHN

There was no stopping him. Drake watched helplessly as Sephiroth swept through the village like the plague. Every thing he touched died, and he touched every thing.

"Z" had knocked Ashlin to the ground and was now restraining him by sitting on his back. She had his left arm nearly wrenched to the back of his head in a simple wrist lock. Drake had to admit it was damn funny, little one hundred and ten pound "Z" had Ashlin face down on the ground in a wrist lock.

"You can let me up "Z" I'm not going to go after him."

"Z" looked up at Drake.

"No keep him right there. I don't want to chance it."

Ashlin sighed and tried to move his hand. It only made "Z's" grip tighter.

"You're killing my wrist I want you to know that."

"Z" loosened her grip. It was the only opening that Ashlin needed. With a quick jerk of his body he had "Z's" hold reversed.

"I'm truly sorry "Z" but I have to go."

With that Ashlin took off in the direction of the village.

"ASHLIN!"

He didn't hear her he was to set on getting to Sephiroth. He knew he was no match for him, but he had to try. He watched as Sephiroth scythed through another building killing every one inside. Ashlin put on another burst of speed; he needed to stop Sephiroth before he killed every one. No matter how fast he ran though Sephiroth kept cutting a bloody swatch through the village.

"SEPHIROTH STOP! I'M THE ONE YOU WANT!"

Sephiroth looked up in time to see Ashlin come to a skidding halt right in front of him.

"Oh so they brought you, another failed attempt at me."

Ashlin tossed off his gi and drew Kuroaki.

"I am a failed attempt at nothing Sephiroth."

"We shall see little one. I will bring every one in this world what they want. Pain, suffering, oblivion. And you, I will make your suffering greater. But not now, right now I have other things to attend to."

Sephiroth stepped back into a cloud of dark mist and disappeared.

It didn't take long for the rest of the team to catch up to him, by the time they did he had his gi back on and Kuroaki put away.

"Ashlin what happened?"

Ashlin looked Drake dead in the face.

"We need to get to the others."

THE DESERT OF THE MULTI-COLORED DEATH

Xavier stood at the mouth of a large cave. This is where the tracks ended. This is where he would get his answers. Xavier dismounted from his Chocobo and started for the cave. Ava and Drew started to follow him. This was brought to an abrupt end.

"YOU COME ALONE NINJA! WE SETTLE THIS ONE ON ONE! UNARMED!"

Xavier looked over his shoulder at Ava and Drew. They both shrugged and took up positions at either side of the cave mouth. Xavier started shedding his various weaponry. Every thing left its holster and hit the ground in a systematic order. The last thing to be removed was his Gunblade. With a mighty thrust he drove it into the ground, its "X" key chain clanging against the handle.

Carefully Xavier entered the cave, his eyes missing nothing as he went. All to soon the cave became to dark for him to keep his goggles on. However as he reached up to remove them the cave changed around him. Xavier watched as Ferns and other exotic plants sprung around him in waves. Xavier turned with the wave of foliage and watched as rock turned to plant. Ceiling turned to sky. Xavier removed his goggles and stuffed them in to his pouch of holding. Half the illusion disappeared. Who ever this was, she was good. Illusions usually left with the goggles. However with a few simple hand seals and a brief disruption of his chakra flow the rest left too.

"I thought you said one on one, no tricks."

The attack was as violent as it was sudden. Xavier found himself on the ground with out realizing it.

"No, I said unarmed."

Xavier nipped to his feet.

"Fair enough."

The two ninjas charged each other, there feet and hands a constant blur of motion. Every punch, kick and throw was skill fully countered and re countered over and over again. Even personal attacks were turned aside with ease.

"You are very skilled for being called rouge."

"You as well stranger. I have never fought one who is your equal."

They circled each other trading a few blows. On an impulse Xavier rushed in and hooked one of her arms, shoulder tossing her to the ground. It didn't work. Half way over his head she broke free of the throw and flipped over trying to do a bird step. That too didn't work as Xavier blocked the three very predictable kicks. Reaching out he grabbed an ankle and brought her crashing to the ground. Still holding the foot he spun her around by it twice, hitting her head on every thing in that circle before releasing her to crash into the cave wall. Xavier didn't give her much time to recover.

As she got up not sure of what just happened Xavier delivered his "BOOYA". After that he pulled off a quick punch, kick combo, followed by a heal drop that sent her sprawling to the ground. As she laid there Xavier gathered some chakra to his feet and did a wind mill kick bringing his feet together over his head in mid-flight. She moved out of the way just in time to avoid the crushing blow that had been directed at her chest.

As she continued to roll away she noticed the cracked floor revealed a second chamber below them, she needed to stall for time as she came up with a plan. As she stood up she realized the stranger still had his back towards her.

"Your skills are beyond description stranger. Who are you and where did you come from?"

Xavier didn't turn around to answer her. His legs hurt, and he was sure he had broken one of them by missing. He needed a plan.

"I am SeeD first class Xavier Lofbrah, from Balamb Garden."

"LIER!"

The pure acid in her voice made him turn around. That and the sudden out burst of chakra from her made his hair stand up. He had just enough time to through his arms in front of himself as she drove a soft ball sized ball of blue chakra at his chest.

"DON'T YOU DARE PROFANE THAT NAME!"

The soft ball expanded into and industrial sized wrecking ball of swirling death.

"XAVIER WOULD NEVER HURT A WOMAN! AND HE WOULD NEVER, NEVER HURT ME!"

Xavier was in to much pain to answer. He could feel the continuous attack tearing the gauntlets from his arms. His flesh burned, the straps for his pack disintegrated. Finally the move finished and they were forced far apart. Xavier became aware of a crumbling sound as the floor gave way.

"NOW DIE!"

He hoped he did as oblivion over took him.

She watched as the strangers eyes rolled to the back of his head and he started to pitch forward into the hole. But she was not ready for what came next. As he fell she heard his last word. His hair fluttered back as he fell and his one piece of proof to his claim to be Xavier was shown. As she watched in horror his body tumbled showing the scar on his upper right shoulder where she had torn the flesh off of it when her tail had split the first time. His one word still echoed in his ear.

"Shyri"

Shyri tore her ninja hood from her head and did the only thing she could do. She screamed.

"XAVIER!"

ALSO IN THE DESERT OF THE MULTI-COLORED DEATH

Drake was hard pressed for time as he drove the team across the desert. They had swept through the village after Sephiroth had left. No one was left alive in the village of Vahn. They had gathered as much as they could carry and set out for the signal they were picking up from Xavier, Ava, and Drew. Something told him he needed to hurry. Putting his heals to the Chocobo he urged more speed out of it.

They reached the signal just before day break. Drake brought his Chocobo to a sudden stop in front of the two young ladies.

"What's going on?"

"You have to see it to believe it. Come on."

The arriving team gave each other funny looks as they followed Ava, and Drew into the cave. It didn't take long for them to notice sings of battle. "Tech" let out a low whistle as he looked around at all the damage.

"Who ever he fought in here, one of them isn't walking now."

"That aint the half of it Ashlin just wait, it gets weirder."

Many eyebrows were lifted at Drews comment. But all too soon they started to here words being spoken.

"Remember my scent, remember my touch."

It was repeated like a mantra over and over again. Every once in a while it was interrupted by other phrases.

"What ever you are seeing, don't believe it. What ever you're being told, it is a lie."

More odd looks were passed around the group. All at once they came upon a large hole in the floor and the bottom of the hole was a very badly beaten Xavier being held by a woman none of them had ever seen. Thought they could barely make her out in the low light. They all could have sworn though that they saw her griping a fox-like tail, and something was twitching on her head.

"Remember my scent."

She brushed the tail under his nose.

"Remember my touch."

She ran her hand over his chest.

"Tech" elbowed "Clip".

"Hey what's going on down there?"

"I don't know, but in between her chants she is trying to heal him."

All at once she looked up at the group, as if noticing them for the first time.

"Please I need help, he won't wake up."

Drake immediately grabbed Clip and jumped in to the hole. Clip took a second to gather himself and then set to work healing Xavier. The entire time the woman kept repeating the same lines and motions over and over again.

"Remember my scent, remember my touch. What ever you see isn't real. What ever you hear it is a lie."

Drake finally got a good look at the woman. She was easily five feet eight inches tall. She had long silver hair that easily came to the middle of her back in three braids. At the top of her head was a set of fox like ears that would randomly twitch. And the thing she kept brushing under his nose was one of her four tails. Sudden realization hit Drake like a ton of bricks.

"You're Shyri aren't you?"

The woman looked up at Drake in surprise.

"Yes I am. How do you know me?"

Her voice was like silk. Pleasant, and melodious. Drake found him self entranced by its lovely sound. There came a mummer of disbelief from the people out side of the hole.

"You are all that I've heard about for the last five years."

"Please sir, tell me about the last five years. Tell me all about him."

As Drake began to relate what he knew about Xavier they were joined in the hole by the rest of team X-treme. Very soon Shyri was learning every thing about the last twelve years of Xavier's life.

SOME WHERE IN DREAM LAND

He was floating; he knew that much for sure. He wasn't dreaming either. It had been several long months since he could claim that. He was warm, he was content. He wanted to stay here forever.

"Remember my scent..."

All at once a smell he could barely remember but had waited for twelve years to smell again filled his nose. It smelled like fresh spring flowers, on a gentle spring breeze.

"Remember my touch..."

He could never forget that touch. It felt like a warm hug after a bad day. It felt like coming home after a long journey. It felt like a gentle caress of two people so totally in love that nothing could keep them apart.

Suddenly Xavier wanted to be back in the real world. He needed to be there. No more floating in nothingness. The most important being in the world was calling to him. As desperately as he could Xavier fought his way to consciousness.

THE DESERT OF THE MULTI-COLORED DEATH

Xavier suddenly snapped in to consciousness, and came face to face with the red ninja. He was so startled that he immediately scrambled away from her and didn't stop till he was at Drakes feet.

"Xavier, what's the matter? Don't you recognize me?"

"No I don't, how could I? You were wearing a mask, and more interested in killing me."

"It's me, Shyri."

Xavier was struck speechless. There was nothing he could say. Slowly she made her way over to him on hands knees, neither had bothered to get up yet.

"Look at me Xavier, remember me. Remember my voice, remember my features."

As she continued to make her way to him slowly he noticed her ears, her voice, her fur covered hands, her tails. There were four now. Gently she brought one of her tails forward and brushed it under his nose. Her smell flooded his senses.

"Remember my scent..."

Carefully she brought her hand up and placed it over the scar on his right shoulder.

"Remember my touch..."

Xavier broke down into tears and his inhibitions melted. As quickly as he could he pulled her into his arms, and held her like he would never let her go.

"Oh my god I have missed you these last twelve years."

"I know, I have missed you too."

"Where have you been?"

"Right here in Vana'diel, hiding from Xiedie. Where have you been?"

"Too far. My god I will never let you go again ever."

"Me either."

They parted long enough to look at each other and then were again in each others arms in a kiss that would never be matched by any one.

For twelve years they had been searching for each other. For twelve years they had sacrificed every thing to get to this moment. For twelve years they had hurt, suffered, bled, cried, and longed to be with each other. And now, after twelve years, they were finally together. Now every one knew why Xavier was the way he was. Now "Z" knew why she could never have Xavier, he was never hers to have. Now these two people were complete for the first time in twelve years.

From above them came a crunch of stones. Every one looked up to see Xiedie, Sephiroth, and a black and red armored dark knight.

"Well isn't this sweet? How long have you two been searching for each other now, ten, twelve years? I must thank you Xavier; you have brought to me four of my five children."

Xiedies eyes searched all of them with her eyes. She accessed each one of them individually.

The white mage was useless to her, but he was still holding his ground good against her. The Gunner red-mage amazing had not passed out, yet. She was well aware of the fact that Sephiroth and the samurai had not stopped glaring at each other. The two monks were chomping at the bit to get them. Then there were her children. Oh how much more power Drake and Ava could have had if only they had been raised right. Finally there were the ninjas Xavier Lofbrah, and her final child Shyri. Both Ninjas, both red-mages. Him attack, her support. They were a perfect union weather they knew it or not. She was her last chance to achieve the first part of her goal. He is an unknown X-factor that has stopped, or hindered her at every turn.

"Shyri, my child, come to me. Help me, your mother; take revenge on the avatars and then the world."

Shyri had never left Xavier's protective embrace, she just stared in horror at Xiedie.

"YOU'RE NOT MY MOTHER, AND I WILL NEVER WILLINGLY HELP YOU!"

Xiedie looked at Team X-treme in disgust and just shook her head.

"Than have it your way child."

Xiedie looked at Sephiroth and her son.

"The Kitsune is all that matters do what you will with the rest."

Sephiroth and Dami'tu leapt into the pit swords drawn. Xiedie knew she needed to make this quick. The first taste of blood Dami'tu got she would lose control of him. Time almost stopped as the warriors leapt at each other. Ava paused long enough to pull out Xavier's Gunblade and a few knives. The blade flipped end over end landing perfectly in his hand just in time to block a swing from Dami'tu. No one saw where she got them but Shyri produced a pair of Gunblade shorts. Where as Xavier's was a three foot blade connected to an oversized revolver, hers were about a foot and a half each and connected to 9mm's. Xavier, Shyri, Ava and Drew took it to Dami'tu like it had never been taken before.

Ashlin didn't want the help, but with out it there was no way he was going to survive. So Drake, Tech, Clip, "Z", and himself tried to do there best to stop Sephiroth. At best they were slowing him down. He had a counter for every thing, there was no such thing as unpredictable when it came to Sephiroth. In one movement he blocked a kick from "Z" sending her in to "Tech". Swung his sword blocking Ashlins swing, deflecting it into Clips gun. He then spun around and grabbed Drakes spear in mid-flight and pulled Drake out of the air. The group lay on the ground for only a second and was back on their feet. Ashlin rushed at Sephiroth blade a blur, not a swing got through. Drake came crashing in as well his spear joining the fray. Three men were caught in a dangerous dance with death.

Dami'tu cut a bloody swatch through the four combattants. Xiedie all the sudden lost control. It was down to her, Sephiroth, Team X-treme, and a psycho in a blood rage.

"SEPHERIOTH I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF HIM! DO IT AND LET'S BE GONE!"

Ashlin was the only one to see it, but by the time he did it was already too late.

"SIN HARVEST!"

The ground erupted and every one woke to find themselves laying in their own blood. Xavier was the first on his feet. The first thing he noticed was that Shyri was gone. The second thing he noticed was that Dami'tu was still there and coming around. Xavier rushed Dami'tu and put his foot right into Dami'tus teeth. He went flying into another puddle of blood.

"WHARE IS SHE YOU SON-OF-A-BITCH!"

Xavier put his boot in Dami'tu's teeth again.

"WHERE IS SHE? SHE CALLED YOU SON! WHERE IS SHYRI?"

It was about this time every one started to notice that Damii'tus great sword was gathering the blood. Dami'tus eyes rolled into the back of his head and turned dark red. All at once Xavier found him self defending against Dami'tus great sword.

Xavier defended as much as he could against Dami'tu's relentless onslaught. With a silent scream Dami'tu swung with all his might. Xavier found him self holding half a blade and a bloody gash across his chest. Dami'tu put his boot into Xavier's chest sending him flying. Xavier bounced off a wall and landed on his face.

Slowly Xavier got to his feet. Xavier dropped his Gunblade and his eyes rolled back. The ground shook, energy coursed through Xavier's body. His body mass increased.

"What the hell is going on?" Clip shouted.

"Oh my god, Xavier is trancing."

Xavier rushed Dami'tu, with a quick dodge he was under the great sword his fore head in Dami'tus nose. Dami'tu fell to the ground Xavier on top of him beating his face into a bloody mess. In the grips of his rage Xavier was barely aware of a deep maniacal laughter ring in his head.